The Middle East Exchange

In the face of regional turmoil, exacerbated by the rise of the Islamic State, many Arab governments are embracing a new solution-oriented agenda – focused on economic diversification, improved education systems, and private-sector-led growth – to stimulate reform and development. In “The Middle East Exchange” Project Syndicate, in partnership with Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, provides a unique global platform to help frame and stimulate regional and global debate on the vital development issues shaping Arab societies.

Ending Religious Violence in the Middle East
Veronique de Viguerie/Getty Images

Ending Religious Violence in the Middle East

Dec 8, 2016 Moha Ennaji argues that the problem is not Islam, but inadequate social and economic policies.

22
Training for Gender Equality
Kaveh Kazemi/Getty Images

Training for Gender Equality

Dec 1, 2016 Arib Ali Al-Mandhari recommends strategies for empowering women to play a more active role in Middle Eastern societies.

4
Egypt and Tunisia’s Divergent Paths
Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

Egypt and Tunisia’s Divergent Paths

Nov 22, 2016 Ishac Diwan explores how each country's political system will determine its future economic prospects.

2
An Economic Ultimatum for the Arab World
Fethi Belaid/Getty Images

An Economic Ultimatum for the Arab World

Nov 16, 2016 Marwan Muasher says that unless Arab countries move away from rentierism, they risk another wave of uprisings.

5
The Secret of Dubai’s Success
Andrew Holbrooke/Getty Images

The Secret of Dubai’s Success

Nov 11, 2016 Yasser Al-Saleh explains how a city-state with limited resources became a global economic and cultural hub.

4
Can Lebanon Escape the Resource Curse?
Anwar Amro/Getty Images

Can Lebanon Escape the Resource Curse?

Nov 3, 2016 Nasser Saidi says the country could transform itself with oil and gas production if it adopts key reforms now.

3

How a Democratic Counteroffensive Can Win

George Soros

Open societies have not always needed defending in the determined way that they do today. But the tide turned against them after the 2008 global financial crisis, and, more than a decade later, the threat posed by authoritarian nationalism continues to rise.